Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coach Has a Surprise Mandatory Pick For Lightweight Title Contention

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Head Coach Javier Mendez spoke to Submission Radio following the lightweight champion’s third successful title defense. ‘The Eagle’ laid waste to Justin Gaethje who was looking to unify his interim championship. Justin fell unconscious in the second round due to a Triangle choke by the undisputed champion.

Khabib Nurmagomedov showed new facets to his game not seen thus far in his now 29 fight career. He was highly effective off his back and peppered Gaethje with a lethal jab. It was clear that ‘The Highlight’ was outgunned and outclassed as the writing was on the wall with the finish. Khabib now improves to 29-0 and surprisingly decided to walk away from the sport.

The Dagestani fighter laid down his gloves in the octagon and expressed his decision to formally retire. This leaves the coveted 155-pound strap up for grabs by default.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach Javier Mendez lays it out

Javier Mendez put forth his pick for the contender who should fight for Khabib’s vacant strap. The American Kickboxing Head Coach felt like Dustin Poirier was the man to pick up the pieces of the 155-pound divisional landscape.

“100% Dustin. He’s proven that he’s number one and he’s proven that whoever he fights should fight for the title. That’s my opinion. I think Dustin, in my eyes, he’s the lone guy. He fought Khabib for the title, he lost to Khabib but he rebounded back with a great win over Tony and Tony was the number one contender for the title with Khabib and unfortunately, that fight will never happen now.”

“I think hands down it has to be Dustin. I think anybody who fights for the title and it doesn’t include Dustin is a tragedy, it’s a shame. He deserves it more than anybody.”

Although Coach Mendez was factually incorrect in saying that Dustin and Tony Ferguson fought, there’s no doubt he’s a deserving contender. Chiefly, ‘The Diamond’ bounced back from his UFC 242 loss to Khabib by impressively dismantling Dan Hooker earlier in the year.

“In my eyes, it’s legit”

Additionally, Javier Mendez also spoke out on whether Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor would be a worthy match-up for UFC gold.

“Well 100 % (Dustin and Conor fighting for a world title). Conor was dominant in his last performance regardless of what weight it was and Conor is still a top guy. Anybody in the top 5, as long as it involves Dustin in my opinion, it’s a world title. In my eyes, it’s legit. So Dustin fighting anybody in the top 5 is a legit title.”

Dustin Poirier has managed to remain in the mix at lightweight with multiple wins over former champions. The UFC could potentially look to make UFC 256 in January of 2020 a title fight match-up due to the high-stakes nature of the fight.